A traditional icon, the first of its kind, has found safe haven in Aldershot, Hants, after a perilous journey through war-torn Ukraine.
The Icon of Our Lady of Victories in The Cathedral of St Michael and St George.
The tradition of Iconography dates back for centuries and nowhere more so than in Ukraine.
(Left to right) Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Commander Francis and Lieutenant Colonel Parkinson stand with The Icon of Our Lady of Victories.
Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski OBE and Bishop Paul Mason talk with an officer in The Cathedral of St Michael and St George.
Special Blessing Ceremony
The first ever Icon of Our Lady of Victories was installed and blessed yesterday at the Catholic military Cathedral, bringing together Ukrainian and British communities in solidarity. The sacred artwork was commissioned by the Catholic Military Association (CMA), with support from Catholic charities Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and The Catenians.
We wanted something permanent as a foundation that our members could look to for solace and encouragement. An Icon is a really ancient way of showing faith - its beauty speaks right to the soul.
Extraordinary Journey from Ukraine
Created using centuries-old techniques in a Lviv studio, the Icon survived an extraordinary journey secured by an unnamed Ukrainian soldier who risked bombardments to ensure its delivery to the UK.
Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski OBE and Bishop Paul Mason presided over the ceremony, with Major General Christopher Barry CBE reading a lesson. Ukrainian quartet The Vivo sang traditional Ukrainian hymns.
For the people of Ukraine their faith is really important to them and for them to know that we are united with them, not just militarily and financially, but also in prayer and this Icon signifies that, which I think that is a very important piece of the whole thing.
Symbol of Faith and Solidarity
Captain Francis Osborn, CMA Chairman, explained: "We wanted something permanent as a foundation that our members could look to for solace and encouragement. An icon is a really ancient way of showing faith - its beauty speaks right to the soul.
“It means a tremendous amount that it has got a home in Aldershot and that it will be seen by a lot of people, and they can benefit from it.”
Bishop Mason remarked: "For the people of Ukraine their faith is really important to them and for them to know that we are united with them, not just militarily and financially, but also in prayer and this icon signifies that, which I think that is a very important piece of the whole thing.”
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